Effects of Volcanic Eruptions

During volcanic eruptions, the communities surrounding a volcano are significantly affected. Volcanic eruptions may leave positive or negative effects.

Positive Effects
Volcanic eruptions have positive effects. The lava and ash deposited in the soil during an eruption provide valuable nutrients for plants. They make the soil very fertile, which is good for agriculture.

The heat under the ground close to a volcano can provide opportunities to generate geothermal energy. This natural heat causes underground water to boil and turn into hot steam, producing geothermal energy. Geothermal power plants use this energy to generate electricity.

Negative Effects
Discharges from volcanic eruptions can bring about negative effects. For example, particles of volcanic ash can cause problems on people's respiratory system. These ash particles become part of the atmosphere, which when inhaled can cause respiratory problems like asthma. Ashfall can also cover leaves of plants and affect their growth. Leaves have stomata or openings that receive sunlight and collect carbon dioxide from the air. These components are necessary to make food that nourishes the plants, so when the plants' openings are blocked, they start to wither and eventually die.